Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb

The women’s quartet Cymbal has been making music together since 2001.  While each member of the group has years of musical experience, the women joined together in order to stir listeners to consider new ways of thinking about the world. Skillfully weaving humorous songs with songs that evoke tears, Cymbal, in performance, strives to do much more than entertain.  The group sings to build bridges, deepen compassion, and advocate for those marginalized.  Performance themes focus on creating peace and justice, promoting the development of strength and empowerment, cherishing the interdependent web of creation, and breaking down the walls that alienate us and oppress others. 

The genres of music in Cymbal’s repertoire include folk, South African, Native American, traditional Appalachian, spirituals, and original compositions.  The group demonstrates vocal dexterity in its acappella pieces, and quartet members also play a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, dulcimer, mandolin, harmonica, percussion instruments, and jug. In an effort to promote liberal spiritual values and traditions, Cymbal has researched and added original works by Unitarian Universalist composers, highlighting their creativity and contributions to promoting religious diversity and spiritual empowerment.

When introducing themselves, the quartet makes it a point to emphasize both their connectedness and uniqueness. They state, “We are mothers, spouses, partners, grandmas, and step-moms.  We are parents, teachers, counselors, and clergy. We are lesbian, bisexual, and straight. We are deeply concerned about equity, justice, peace and a future for all our children.” The four members of Cymbal are Dr. Diane Johns, an editor, counselor, and fiber artist who embraces the arts, especially quilting, dancing, and music; Rev. Linda Slabon, a clinical social worker, gardener, and minister serving in DeKalb, IL; Dr. Toni Tollerud, the Director of Music at the Unitarian Universalist church in DeKalb, and a professor at Northern Illinois University; and Dr. Lynn Fisher McCanne, who has found a “second life” in music after living most of her adult life as a psychologist, and who enjoys creating a more beautiful world and being an active member and musician at the Unitarian Universalist congregation in Geneva, IL.

Music has the power to impact us physically.  It can create balance, harmony and open us to new ways of seeing. Cymbal states, “When we sing A World of Justice, A World of Peace, we advocate peace for all, from those in our neighborhood to those in Iraq. An abused woman or girl who hears the lyrics, “How could anyone ever tell you, you were anything less than beautiful…” absorbs the idea that she is loved and precious.  We sing of anger, Aids, health care, rape, slavery, suffrage, father god and mother goddess, environment, and the dream of an earth that provides well for the children. When we sing stories of survival or of cherishing our earth, we reflect back the hope and courage lived by those who have fought for a better world.”  One fan observed, “The night Cymbal performed, women of all ages were drumming, singing, dancing, and rocking out! It is one scene I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”  

Cymbal’s performance venues have varied widely.  Cymbal has led worship services for many congregations – from our home state, Illinois, to a service at First Unitarian Church in Honolulu, Hawaii. Other venues include concerts, workshops, women’s retreats, and presentations for local, regional, and national events.  Cymbal has performed twice at the national conference of the Unitarian Universalist Association, presenting in 2004 “She Changes Everything She Touches” for the UU Women’s Federation, and in 2006 performing “Sing for Faith, Restoration, & Justice.” 

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of DeKalb
158 N. Fourth Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-756-7089
uufdchurchoffice@aol.com

 

Child care services available.

Our church is handicapped accessible.

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